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Product Review - Hood Press
by Wilbur Harris

Now and again someone comes up with something new that is actually worthwhile. In the case of this press, I believe Charlie Hood has done just that. The unique design incorporates an "arbor press" into the left side of the press body. My first impression left me a little skeptical of its features but the promise of a dual use compact reloading press was enough for a traveling reloader like myself to give it a try.

Getting ready for the next match I found that packing the press in my loading box was effortless - just open the box, stick the press in and close the box. No more trial and error to find the right combination that allows the lid to close. I took my old "Partner" press and arbor press along just in case but haven't opened the box since.

Setting the press on the loading table was a cinch. I used a pair of clamps to attach the mounting bracket to the table. The press attached to the bracket in seconds with a single hand screw leaving no play in any direction and the bracket is wide enough to keep the clamps out of the way. I'm going to drill some holes and attach the bracket to the table permanantly since the bracket is tough enough to avoid damage from any rough handling.

At first I thought I would have to change the way I did things. The way I use my old press is to place a case in the shell holder with my left hand and work the ram with the right. It seemed somewhat akward to use this press that way until I realized that I had mounted it on my table in the same place as always and could move it closer to the center because I no longer needed that space for the arbor press. Mounted more in the area of "right in front of me" I was able to use either hand comfortably. The progressive leverage seems to be just right for sizing cases and seating bullets to give a good "feel" for both.

After I seated the first batch of bullets all my initial skepticism had vanished. My concern that the "arbor press" area was not large enough was satisfied. In fact, using a Wilson seater, I don't think bullet seating could be any easier. I'll probably carry my arbor press along for a while but I can't identify a good reason other than it cost a fortune and I hate to leave it home.

Recommended action is to find someone using one of these presses and watch them load their cases. I think you will agree that the design and functionality makes the Hood Press quite a bit more than the usual "same thing but different" product. On the other hand, you could just look at the picture a few times and order one. Christmas is always just a few months away.


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